Datafolha poll: 50% of Brazilians see possibility of foreign interference in elections

Half of Brazilian voters believe foreign countries could interfere in the upcoming elections, according to a new Datafolha poll. The survey indicates that 50% of respondents see a chance of external meddling, while 43% rule out the possibility.

Within the group concerned about interference, 32% view it as a significant problem, whereas 18% do not consider it an issue. The remaining 8% did not provide a response or were unsure. This research, conducted between Tuesday (18) and Thursday (20) with 2,058 voters nationwide, marks the first Datafolha poll since candidate registrations closed and the official campaign began.

The perception of potential foreign intervention in the 2026 elections differs sharply among supporters of various presidential hopefuls. Only 9% of President Lula's supporters believe interference would be problematic, compared to 32% among those planning to vote for Flávio Bolsonaro. Furthermore, 36% of Lula's electorate perceive a risk of foreign intervention that would be problematic, against 24% of Bolsonaro's supporters.

Conversely, 46% of Lula's voters and 39% of Bolsonaro's voters do not believe foreign interference is a possibility. The poll's question considered statements made by foreign leaders about Brazil's elections, reflecting broader concerns about international figures' comments on the October election process.

Recent months have seen tensions arise from actions and statements by foreign leaders. Former U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Brazilian goods and reportedly considered sanctions against Supreme Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes. Brazil's Foreign Ministry also denied visas to two U.S. State Department employees. The Washington Post reported that Trump allegedly planned to send aides to Brazil to question the electoral process's integrity. President Lula recently spoke with Trump, disputing the tariffs' basis. From Argentina, President Javier Milei has made critical remarks about Lula and a Supreme Court minister, and attended a convention confirming Flávio Bolsonaro's candidacy.